Week 9 Recap:
The Rockford IceHogs traveled to Houston to take on the Aeros in back-to-back games in Week 9. The Hogs fell to Houston 4-3 in a shootout on Thursday but came back and downed the Aeros 2-1 on Friday. Rockford earned three of four points in Week 9 and improved their record on the road to 6-6-0-2.

Bacon Bits:
Rockford’s 1-0-0-1 record in Week 9 marked the first winning week for Rockford since Week 2 (2-0-0-0)

Defenseman Brian Connelly notched his first career multi-goal game on Thursday in Houston

Connelly continues to pace Rockford in scoring with 16 points and assists with 13

It was also Rockford’s first multi-goal game this season

Rockford opens a season-high seven-game homestand on Wednesday

Overall, the IceHogs will play 15 of their next 19 at the Rockford MetroCentre

The IceHogs are 4-5-0-2 when trailing after the first period this season

Rockford has scored two or fewer goals in 14 of their 23 games this season

16 of Rockford’s 24 games have been decided by one or two goals

The IceHogs have allowed 39 or more shots in three of their last four games

Rockford is 2-1-0-1 during that four game stretch

Hot Hog Week 9:Ryan Potulny Center

Rockford center Ryan Potulny notched a goal in both of Rockford’s games during Week 9 in Houston. Both of Potulny’s goals gave Rockford second period leads last week and the centerman’s tally on Friday proved to be the eventual game-winner in a 2-1 win over the Aeros. Through nine weeks, Potulny leads Rockford with six goals, two game-winning goals and with a plus/minus rating of +3.

Upcoming Games:Wednesday, Dec. 8 vs. Texas Stars. The game starts at 6:35 p.m. The IceHogs return home to begin a season-long seven-game homestand. Wednesday is another Taco Bell Dollar Day presented by WXRX as fans can purchase beers, Vienna Beef hot dogs, soft drinks and companion tickets for just $1.

Friday, Dec. 10 vs. Milwaukee Admirals: Game time is slated for 7:05 p.m. The IceHogs battle the Milwaukee Admirals at the MetroCentre for the first time in 2010-11. The matchup is second of the season between the two teams as the Hogs won the first meeting 3-2 in a shootout at the Bradley Center.

Saturday, Dec. 11 vs. Oklahoma City Barons: Game time is slated for 7:05 p.m. The Oklahoma City Barons visit the MetroCentre for the first time in 2010-11. The game also marks the first of six meetings between the two clubs on the campaign. The first 2,500 fans into the building will get an IceHogs winter scarf compliments of Mega Truck Rental and 97-ZOK. It’s also Teddy Bear Toss Night. Fans are encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal to the game to throw onto the ice after the first IceHogs goal. The teddy bears will be collected and donated to local childrens charities.